A Murderous Business

A woman worries she’s inherited her father’s sins after taking over his company in this enjoyable historical series launch from Pegau (Blood Remains). In 1912 New York City, Margot Baxter Harriman has become the head of canned goods producer B&H Foods after the death of her father, though her transition from boss’s daughter to boss has been met with skepticism from her male colleagues. She arrives at the B&H offices early one morning to find the dead body of Giana Gilroy—former assistant to her father—propped up in Margot’s chair. Under Giana’s hand is a cryptic note addressed to Margot that alludes to her father’s wrongdoings (“Your father and I were involved in a situation at B&H. People got sick. Some died”) and urges her to make things right. Startled, Margot hires spunky private eye Loretta “Rett” Mancini, who helps her look into Giana’s murder and the note’s implications while introducing Margot to New York’s queer world. Pegau’s plot moves in fits and starts, with protracted rising action and a rushed finale, but convincing period detail and likable leads save the day. There’s enough here to make readers excited for the sequel. (Sept.)